Automated weight based fluid output monitoring system

Abstract

Disclosed is an automated weight based fluid output monitoring system that can include a hanger having a securement ball defining a spherical surface and configured to engage a socket. The securement ball can include a sensor array configured to detect a change in pressure between the securement ball and the socket as well as a direction of force relative to a transverse axis of the socket. The hanger can further include a hook configured to be coupled to a fluid collection bag of a fluid drainage system. The hanger can further include a console having one or more processors, non-transitory storage medium, an energy source and a one or more logic modules configured to determine a change in fluid volume of the collection bag over time and an off-axis loading of the fluid collecting bag relative to the transverse axis.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An automated fluid monitoring system, comprising:
 a stand including a socket extending along a transverse axis; 
 a hanger having a securement ball defining a semi-spherical shape and including a hook extending therefrom along a first axis, the hook coupled with a fluid collection bag, the securement ball configured to rotatably engage the socket; and 
 a sensor array disposed on a surface of the securement ball and configured to detect a change in pressure between the hanger and the stand, and to detect an angle of pressure along the first axis, relative to the transverse axis. 
 
     
     
       2. The automated fluid monitoring system according to  claim 1 , wherein the sensor array includes one or more pressure sensors disposed on the surface of the securement ball. 
     
     
       3. The automated fluid monitoring system according to  claim 1 , wherein the socket is configured to engage the securement ball to prevent linear movement along a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis and allow the first axis of the hook to pivot relative to the transverse axis. 
     
     
       4. The automated fluid monitoring system according to  claim 1 , wherein the socket defines a semi-spherical concave shape. 
     
     
       5. The automated fluid monitoring system according to  claim 1 , further including a console including one or more processors, an energy source, a data store, a calibration logic, a pressure mapping logic, and a fluid output logic. 
     
     
       6. The automated fluid monitoring system according to  claim 5 , wherein the console is disposed within the hanger and communicatively coupled with one of the stand, a network, an external computing device, or an electronic health record system. 
     
     
       7. The automated fluid monitoring system according to  claim 5 , wherein the console is disposed within the stand and is communicatively coupled with the sensor array by way of a connector wire or a port disposed on the hanger. 
     
     
       8. The automated fluid monitoring system according to  claim 5 , wherein the console is disposed remotely from both the hanger and the stand as a stand-alone device and is wirelessly communicatively coupled with the sensor array. 
     
     
       9. The automated fluid monitoring system according to  claim 5 , wherein the fluid output logic is configured to receive a signal from the sensor array and determine a fluid volume within the fluid collection bag, or a change in fluid volume within the fluid collection bag over time. 
     
     
       10. The automated fluid monitoring system according to  claim 5 , wherein the pressure mapping logic is configured to receive a signal from the sensor array and determine an angle of the first axis relative to the transverse axis. 
     
     
       11. The automated fluid monitoring system according to  claim 5 , wherein the calibration logic is configured to receive a signal from the sensor array and calibrate one or more of the sensor array, the fluid output logic and the pressure mapping logic. 
     
     
       12. The automated fluid monitoring system according to  claim 1 , wherein the fluid collection bag is in fluid communication with a catheter and configured to drain a fluid from a bladder of a patient. 
     
     
       13. The automated fluid monitoring system according to  claim 1 , wherein the hanger further includes a stabilizing handle configured to engage one of a medical bed, a door, or an intravenous pole. 
     
     
       14. The automated fluid monitoring system according to  claim 1 , wherein the hook is selectively detachable from the hanger. 
     
     
       15. A method of measuring a fluid output from a patient, comprising:
 coupling a spherical surface of a securement ball of a hanger with a concave socket of a stand, the socket defining a transverse axis and allowing the hangar to pivot about the transverse axis relative to the stand; 
 coupling a fluid collection bag with a hook of the hanger, the hook extending along a first axis; 
 applying a force to the hanger along the first axis; 
 detecting a change in pressure between the securement ball and the socket; 
 determining a volume of fluid within the fluid collection bag; and 
 determining an angle of the first axis relative to the transverse axis. 
 
     
     
       16. The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the spherical surface includes a sensor array including one or more pressure sensors. 
     
     
       17. The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the securement ball engages the socket to prevent linear movement of the hanger along a longitudinal axis or a lateral axis. 
     
     
       18. The method according to  claim 15 , wherein determining the volume of fluid or determining the angle of the first axis is performed by a console disposed within the hanger and including one or more of a processor, an energy source, a data store, a calibration logic, a pressure mapping logic and a fluid output logic. 
     
     
       19. The method according to  claim 15 , wherein determining the volume of fluid or determining the angle of the first axis is performed by a console disposed within the stand and communicatively coupled with the hanger, the console including one or more of a processor, an energy source, a data store, a calibration logic, a pressure mapping logic, and a fluid output logic. 
     
     
       20. The method according to  claim 15 , further including determining a change in fluid volume within the fluid collection bag over time using a fluid output logic. 
     
     
       21. The method according to  claim 15 , wherein applying the force to the hanger along the first axis includes draining a fluid from the patient into the fluid collection bag, the fluid collection bag in fluid communicating with a Foley catheter.